21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Whale calf's play

I had the opportunity to swim with a father and calf whale. The calf seemed curious and often left the mother to come closer to us. It was adorable to see them spinning on the surface and flapping their flippers in the water as if to show us off.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Neiafu, Tonga
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Daisuke Kurashima